PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I was beyond honored to review this psychologically suspenseful story, Knocking, for Sundance 2021 (Midnight Section). It’s not every day a story like this is told and the Knocking is one you won’t want to miss out on. The film was directed by Frida Kempff and stars Cecilia Milocco.
Synopsis for Knocking
A woman (Molly) who has just experienced a traumatic incident is unnerved by a haunting knocking sound from upstairs in her new apartment building. As the noises become more desperate and increasingly sound like cries for help, she confronts her neighbors, but it seems no one else can hear them. In an unsettling quest for truth, Molly soon realizes that no one believes her, and begins to question if she even believes herself – a realization that is perhaps even more chilling.
My anxiety was full-blown throughout the runtime of Knocking. Its claustrophobic atmosphere and morbid tone leave you feeling suffocated and emotions running wild. You never know for sure what is happening. Is Molly going crazy? Is the knocking real? Or is it something far more sinister? On a deeper level, as someone who suffers from mental illness and past trauma, I could really relate to this story and all that goes on. Depression and anxiety can lead you to feel like you’re losing your mind and I could easily relate all too well and I felt a connection with Molly.
Molly was played by the brilliantly talented Cecilia Milocco. She delivered a groundbreaking, emotionally-heartbreaking performance that will shake you to your core. In every scene, you can see and feel her character slowly losing control of reality little by little and wondering if she will ever live a normal life again.
There’s so much uncertainty and dread throughout Knocking, that I truly didn’t know how everything would unfold. Anything could happen. That ending was mind-boggling and had me at the edge of my seat. I did not see that coming.
Final Thoughts
If you get the chance to watch Knocking, don’t pass it up. This is a must-see film that tests the limits of your sanity and will drive you mad. I hope to see more films from Frida Kempff because she knows how to knock audiences off their feet with hauntingly beautiful story-telling.
